Portable Equipotential Grid Segmentation for Electrical Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable equipotential mats fail to create a reliable equipotential zone due to open spaces in conductive meshes, leading to potential differences and safety concerns, and are prone to wear and maintenance issues, necessitating a more effective and portable solution for electrical workers.
Innovation Solution
A portable grid comprising at least two electrically conductive elements with a mechanical and electrical connection, forming a separation barrier and connected to the structure via a bonding cable, allowing for variable size and shape configurations to ensure a safe equipotential zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conductive mesh is used to create an equipotential zone, then the device becomes portable and flexible, but open spaces in the mesh create potential differences that compromise safety
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive surface is divided into multiple discrete conductive elements (plates, grids, or meshes) that are arranged in a pattern with spaces between them. Each element is electrically connected to form a continuous equipotential surface, while the segmented structure provides both portability and reduced weight compared to a solid plate.
Solution Approach 2:
All conductive elements are electrically connected through conductive members to maintain the same electrical potential across the entire surface. This ensures that even with open spaces between elements, the worker remains at a uniform potential when in contact with multiple elements, preventing dangerous current flow through the body.
2Reliability
If a large metal plate is used to cover the worksite, then complete equipotential coverage is achieved, but the device loses portability
Solution Approach 1:
The large equipotential surface is segmented into multiple smaller conductive elements that can be easily transported and assembled. These elements work together to provide comprehensive coverage when deployed, but can be disassembled and moved individually when needed, solving the portability problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements are designed as thin, lightweight plates or grids that can be easily handled and positioned. This flexible design allows workers to assemble the equipotential surface only when needed for specific tasks, maintaining portability while achieving complete coverage during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conductive mesh with braided material is used, then flexibility is improved, but the braid is easily worn out limiting conductiveness
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a continuous flexible mesh that is prone to wear, the system uses discrete conductive elements connected by robust conductive members. This segmentation protects the electrical connections from wear while maintaining overall system flexibility through the modular arrangement of elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines conductive elements made from materials with high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. The conductive members connecting the elements are designed with composite structures that resist wear and maintain electrical continuity even under repeated assembly and disassembly operations.
4Reliability
If a continuous conductive surface is used, then equipotential reliability is maximized, but the device complexity and difficulty of inspection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous conductive surface is replaced with discrete conductive elements connected by identifiable conductive members. This segmentation makes it easier to inspect each element and connection point individually, while the modular design allows for straightforward replacement of any defective component without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive members or connection points may be marked with distinctive colors or visual indicators to facilitate quick inspection and identification of critical electrical connections. This helps workers and inspectors quickly verify the integrity of the equipotential system without complex testing equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The portable grid effectively creates a safe equipotential zone by minimizing voltage differences and ensuring electrical safety, with features like lightweight materials, support frames, and flexible connections to accommodate various work environments and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical connector connecting the two electrically conductive elements electrically and a bonding cable for connecting the apparatus to the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A portable grid for creating an equipotential zone that comprises at least two portable conductive elements. Each element comprises an electrically conducting platform forming a separation barrier with a working surface such as a ground surface. The elements may be joined electrically and mechanically. By joining multiple such elements, a variable size equipotential zone can be created. The portability of the zone is ensured as the zone can be disassembled to individual elements that can be carried and stored by the workers.